With the exit of AWDirect from the Towing Information Network after more than 14 years as a Tow411 Sponsor. I needed to find another “Major Sponsor” to support our network. While attending the NTEA Work Truck Show last week it just happened a “Well Known Company” offered to add their support and participation as a Platinum Sponsor on the New Force in the Industry.
They had only one requirement and that was, we must double our membership within 120 days. At that time we had just reached a goal of more than 3000 members in 15 months. The next goal was set at 6000 members by the end of 2019. To do this in 4 months is nearly impossible as it will take 25 new members each day. This “Well Known Company” set the bar high, but that is nothing for an Industry that in general sets the bar high every day. If your not already a TowForce.net member will you register today and get us closer to this nearly impossible goal.
Is it possible, yes however it would take everyone that watches this message board to join.
You can join using various methods, there is no cost to join.
DAY 1 - 58 New Members -
Day 2 - 41 New Members -
Day 3 - 20 New Members -
Day 4 - 7 New Members -
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Day 50 - 2 New Members - 410
Current Count 3386 Members
Average 8.2 a day - Short 17 Members a day.

Jeez 3 rollovers this weekend...all with clean ups too! This one tumble rolled in a private community w/ 25 mph speed limits...
She said she swerved because a Goffer ran across the road...
They cleaned up the roadway and told the Officer we would be back in the daylight to do a proper clean up....
Destroyed a new Journey...Customer called me to ask if it was driveable? I asked weren't you in it & she said yes....No...No it's not driveable...

As of recent, i think both of us thought the days where over, but here we are.
Nothing has been more enjoyable than teaching with this guy, Jeff Martin
We at times argue like brothers over class logistics and stuff, but you folks see the end result.
Add the other folks and we have a great time. Nobody, I'd rather have by my side. Love ya brother

I'll have to get a pic of it tomorrow George. We took their unit and welded a receiver tube on it. Now we have a pintle hook adapter and a 3 way ball assembly. We also install a factory ford trailer plug in the rear. It makes for a clean install for a 4 wire & 6 wire plugs.
She got her new suit on today...
I think it looks good....

Well Ron you're right...no yellow trucks but they were there in spirit! I owe a lot to those people and Big Wheel changed the way I do things literally the day after my 1st class.... nearly 10 years ago. And when I presented my invoice to a typically difficult insurance company, they didn't have a single complaint. My connections made back then have & will continue my business's prosperity for years to come as well as friendships that are priceless.
Stuart you're right...I was dreading these rolls as soon as I found out. I knew if I was to drag them out the back and load them on a trailer or carriers, they would be junk for sure. To make matters worse, they have a small hole (7/8") in the middle so rigging to them could be tricky...
I knew it would be difficult to lift that dead weight in such a confined area but handling them was potentially dangerous . Like John said, I was concerned that they would move around when the trailer dropped and @ 6000 lbs each...they can make a difference! Wet set it pretty easily, I think I have a video of it...a slight bounce but not much drama.
The rolls were damaged some but from their initial movement. They decided to scrap the load in the end so it is what it is.
Thanks Randall. We were taxing the Tator pretty good so I decided to add my second line off a block to the drives just in case. It turned up to be a good idea because it was starting to stall the auxiliary winches and the main boom winches were getting the outriggers "Light". A lot of guys really push them but I don't know this truck well enough to exceed the platform. That added line made the difference though to get the initial lift to start & then from there it was like text book.
Thanks for all the comments.

I have a suggestion that I believe could promote a safer work environment for all that read this forum. Would it be possible to start a forum entitled, "Today I made an attempt to be a safer operator by...… This will allow those people who practice safety and proper procedure to share their experience, knowledge, education, and training. One of the suggestions just might prompt someone out there somewhere, to do something different, to put another tool in their mental toolbox, to zig where they normally would have zagged. Who knows, just one person implementing a safe practice or procedure could save someone, somewhere from getting seriously injured, or from someone from having to make that phone call everyone knows that they might have to make, but cringes at the thought of having to make the call.

Here's sad news of a tow operator fatality that occured early this morning
making this the first fatality of 2019. According to the news, tow operator, Pat Sisneros, of Madrid Towing, was struck and killed as he attempted to assist a NM state police officer. According to State Police, a semi-truck crashed into a State Police vehicle just before 1 a.m. Police say Pat Sisneros stopped to assist the officer when another semi collided into Sisneros' tow truck, killing him. All lanes on I40 Eastbound MM 157 were closed due to the motor vehicle accident involving the second semi-truck. It was also reported that 20-degree temperatures caused lanes to be were extremely icy. Details are few and an investigation is being on-going. My prayers are with the Sisneros' family and the company Pat worked for.
https://www.kob.com/albuquerque-news/albuquerque-roads-slick-and-dangerous/5196197/

While this is not the time for such discussion, it must be discussed before an action plan can be put it place.
"My gut feeling is the electronic logging mandate, although artificially, has placed increased pressure on drivers to "push through" because of that set in stone digital clock staring them in the face."
I have been hearing this louder and louder that because of the ELD. The dispatchers are pushing the drivers harder. One trucker stated he is one of the few English speaking drivers in the company and he has to routinely tell the person is is speaking with the speak English and to text in English. So, drivers are now be pushed harder. Wasn't that what the CDL and ELD was suppose to stop?

We are entering the apex of the Christmas season this weekend. Colleges are completing final semester exams this week. I have one tomorrow, my last one, thank you God. Many will begin to drink as well as use illegal drugs under the guise of "celebrating." Please be extra cognizant in every step of every process you complete to limit the time you are in harms way. It is not a race, nothing you do is worth risking your life in order to save a few seconds. Your family needs you, your community needs you, and this industry, despite all of it's issues, needs you as well. Each and every one of you is a valuable resource to those close to you. There is no tire, or vehicle for that matter that is worth you risking your health, well being, or life over. that car or tire can be easily replaced, you can not be!
I hope every one of you has a blessed, safe, and meaningful Christmas as well as a bountiful 2019. I personally have had a rough 2018, and am ready to close the chapter and look forward to a great 2019.

1. Geico --pleasant dispatchers who really seems to care about motorists, fast payment, easy invoice submission, decent rates
2. AAA (NCNU) --When we were part of MountainWestAAA and that was great, now it is Northern California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Alaska, Montana, and Wyoming and nothing is the same.
3. Agero --commonly confused about location and destination (a common one has been closed for 6 years), complex procedure for requesting extras, short pays not uncommon, poor communication, commonly lies to us and to motorists about the covered distance.
Only 6 jobs so far this year with any other motor club.

We are sending our Crash Van out on interstate calls where there is a danger factor. Adverse weather, fog & what not...in an attempt to slow people down & move them over.
As you can see, it works for the most part...

Pick, rotate, lay down, load and haul oversized
allenstowing said:
Did it grow between pis 2 and 3? Looks good.
Donny Callahan said:
I wiggled my nose and made it shorter... Lol... It was 20' high and 10' wide
bulldog1635 said:
very impressive. looks very close to the wrecker. what size NRC is that ?
al, bull dog
Donny Callahan said:
It's a 40/50 SR The tank really isn't that close... The pictures turned out funky...
MTA415 said:
sweet graphics!

Put this on one of our parts delivery trucks.
“TAKE PRIDE IN AMERICA”
NEW: “IN GOD WE TRUST” LICENSE PLATE - NC
The Soldiers & Airmen Assistance Fund, Inc. is proud to announce that the updated design for our “In God We Trust” license plate is now available in NC. The new design features “In God We Trust” (the official motto of the US), the American Eagle (the national emblem, symbol of freedom, authority and power), in the background the US Flag (represents our expression of patriotism), the letters S and A (stands for Soldiers and Airmen), a white background behind the numbers and North Carolina in red (representing the energy and strength of our great state). The In God We Trust is the most patriotic specialty license plate in North Carolina. Of the extra $30 annual fee for the specialty tag, $20 goes to Soldiers & Airmen Assistance Fund to support the citizen soldiers of the North Carolina National Guard. “The theme of this plate is a true expression of our patriotism. Our goal was to design a plate that every North Carolinian would be proud to put on their vehicle. We now have a plate that is attractive, with the right colors, that stands out and makes people notice. We hope North Carolinians will help us honor our Guardsmen, our veterans and everyone wearing the military uniform that protects our state and nation,” said Dennis Roach, retired Sergeant Major and Director of the SAAF.
To order your plate, visit www.ncdot.gov/dmv. Click Online Services Tab, Order Personalized & Specialized Plates, Order Special Plate, click “I” to locate “In God We Trust” plate and click on the image.
If you currently have the plate with the yellow ribbon on it and would like the new one, DMV said you need to go by one of their offices and tell them you want the new one. If you go online to order, you will just receive the stickers and not the new plate.

Ron ... I wholeheartedly nominate Steve and Doc Calitri of American Towman Magazine, and, Clarissa Powell, Tow Times Magazine, for their career participation to the towing and recovery industry. Their publications and tow show presentations have provided towing and recovery professionals the platform in which to share everything having to do with the industry. They've created environments that bring tow professionals to together throughout the world. Thank you for your contributions to the industry. You are true leaders and this recognition is due. Steve, Doc and Clarissa have undoubtedly influenced myself and millions of readers on an international scale ... no small task. I believe this award is befitting to their leadership and committment to the towing and recovery industry. R.

Joanne Blyton of Billings Towing & Recovery, Montana, has been elected 2019 TRAA President. Joanne is the first woman to hold this position in 40 years. A long time member of Tow411 and now TowForce, member name "speedracer". Join us as we send our congratulations on a rise to the top, for a woman who truly earned it.
TRAA "Towing & Recovery Association of America
Tow411 - "Towing Information Network"
Her Candidate Bio is available online at http://traaonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Joanne-Blyton.pdf

CHATTANOOGA, TN, April 9, 2019 — The International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum Survivor Fund today announced a new benefit available to those going through the tragedy of losing someone in the line of service. The new Experienced Owners Group (EoG) will allow company owners the opportunity to seek guidance from someone who has been in their current position. The Experienced Owners Group aims to provide this support for company owners who are dealing with the ramifications of losing an employee on the job.
For over ten years, the Survivor Fund has been providing financial assistance to families in their time of need when on the job tragedies occur. Now, the Survivor Fund is branching out to focus on another type of Survivor, the company owner. There are many challenges faced by company owners when an operator is killed on the job. The Survivor Fund does not have all of the answers but we do have a powerful list of those who have been in this position and who are willing to speak to anyone with a similar need.
The EoG is made up of towing and road service industry company owners who have had an on the job death and are willing to speak to others going through a similar loss. These owners will neither be competitors nor will they be a legal team. The museum, the Survivor Fund and our Experienced Owners Group are not able to provide answers to legal questions. This group is here for moral support and to help with information on how each person may have dealt with their own business tragedy.
“The Experienced Owners Group has been in development for several years. During the last year we have seen an increased need and have been told by those involved in the tragedies that this service would be of great benefit,” stated Jeffrey Godwin, Co-Chairman of the ITRHFM Survivor Fund / Wall of the Fallen Committee. “As we begin to rollout a few new Survivor Fund benefits in 2019, supporting of all survivors is our focus.”
The process is simple. Today, when a tragedy occurs, the assigned regional representative from the Survivor Fund committee reaches out to the company proactively to offer the assistance of the Fund and information about the Wall of the Fallen. Going forward, the information provided will also include how to participate in the EoG. The rep will endeavor to match the owner with a current tragedy to someone who had a similar incident situation when possible. The committee member will also contact the Experienced Owner being selected and notify them of the need. Both parties will receive an introductions email along with the case information as provided to the Survivor Fund. Once the introduction is made, all communications are direct between the parties and the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum and its Survivor Fund are no longer involved in the interactions.
The Experienced Owners Group exists to provide a specialized contact for business owners in their time of need allowing the business owner to speak directly to another business owner who has been through a similar tragedy in their own company. Please note that none of the ITRHFM, the ITRHFM Survivor Fund, the Experienced Owners Group, or the persons involved in these groups are to provide legal advice. If legal advice is required, the inquirer should be steered toward an attorney or other legal professional.
To learn more about the Experienced Owners Group, contact Jeffrey Godwin via email at jeffreygodwin@gmail.com. An inquiry / sign up form will be added to the museum website in the Survivor Fund section in the coming weeks. If you have experienced the on the job loss of an employee, please sign-up, get the talking points and serve your fellow towers.
About ITRHFM
The International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum, located in Chattanooga, TN, houses an array of displays and exhibits showcasing the history of towing and recovery. The rotating collection includes early equipment by Manley, Holmes, Vulcan, and Weaver. The Hall of Fame honors individuals who have significantly advanced the industry. The Museum includes a theater, a library, and a gift shop selling souvenirs related to the towing industry. On the outside grounds is the Wall of the Fallen memorial, dedicated to towers who died in the line of service. The ITRHFM Survivor Fund assists the families of the men and women that have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of service by providing a uniform financial gift at the time of their loss. ITRHFM is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and accepts donations for its programs and operations from individuals, corporations and groups.
Learn more at www.towingmuseum.com.

We got this truck at the end of last year. Our last wrecker had 2 tunnel boxes and this one only has 1, so we were a little short on storage. We added 3 additional boxes. My boss has also let me add stuff to make things more efficient.
Simple stuff first, 2 buckets for floor dry/debris
2 Boxes have been placed on each side of the bed, which did make it difficult to watch the winches. So mirrors were added to aid with that.
Again, the boxes make backing up to a car difficult to see it. All of our trucks have on board dvr, with 4 cameras. I added a monitor to be able to see.
This truck has a compressor and tank, but no gauge, or air hook ups. We do alot of ppi's, and have to call another company to remove any trailers with air. I added an air hook up so we can move empty trailers, or equipment trailers. Also added a psi gauge, I ended up changing the fitting on the back of the gauge so it would fit though.
Now my personal favorite addition. The flood lights in the back were......lacking. I had a 42" curved light bar at home that I wasn't using and added to the truck. I also got some smaller led spot/flood lights to add under the tunnel box to aid with nighttime reversing.
Before
After (That is also just the upper lights. Lowers were not turned on)
Lower lights

Our family has been in the towing business since the early 1920s. I was at the controls of 1948 REO Speedwagon tow truck when I was 9 years old. My training consists of learning from my family and school of hard knocks. I am 62 years old and still enjoy towing and recovery. Jack Herman, Wildwood Service, Gages Lake, Illinois

We had to rescue this lady the other day who decided a soaking wet farm field was the best place to turn around. Not 500 feet further down the road is an intersection with a nice hard packed dirt spot to turn around, but I guess she couldn't wait that long. Nice easy pull back to solid ground.

Dennis, Thanks for speaking up. Maybe you could tell us why the world needs HONK? In the age of Google, I really have a hard time seeing the benefit to us service providers of having a middleman with their (your) hand in our pockets. And I fail to see how you improve service to my customer, when they can call me directly and talk to the guy who will be coming to help them. Of course it's not just you, but HONK came on strong like they were going to turn the industry upside down and clearly the whole "app" thing didn't take off like that, so now you are just another motor club (except you aren't).
All my best,
Rod

Been running my butt off the last week....Here's some of the Heavy work....
Swap to NY...
Had to get this guy from Philadelphia...
Pete to the dealer for a De-rate issue...
Loaded Garbage Packer for a De-rate issue back to our shop for repairs...
Mack had the Centrifuge Oil Filter blow off the engine...Made a pretty big mess...
I need some rest....

We got the job to dispose of the cargo on this job which was like another nice little job. Winched the rolls out & set them on the rollbacks for a local tow to a recycling center...
Then delivered the trailer back to the company...
We gave up some additional storage after the bill was paid to work out the logistics to get the disposal job. In the end it was like an additional $6000 on the job so beneficial for us to make it work.

I am here ….Loud and clear
Congratulations Ron and Chris for Towforce Tow 411..... a rebirth of Tow 411... and reaching 3000 members …..roll on 4000 !!
Without doubt this is the finest towing forum there is. Keep up the good work guys...
It is a constant source of information, knowledge, ideas and showcase of other operators vehicles and equipment big and small, Long may it continue....
it would be really good to see some more archives of the old 411 if possible...
Been in the Recovery and Towing industry in the UK for over 57 years....
Received Light recovery, Heavy recovery, Advanced Heavy recovery and Air cushion, Rotator, Slewing crane, Tracked Plant, lorry loader Crane, Major incident management, Training and Certification from the Institute of Vehicle Recovery, Road Transport Industry Training Board, ITTSAAR Training bodies, Nick Ovenden, Ron Grice, etc
……………..Oh....and the school of hard knocks.
John.

One more thing..a waterproof mat or a plastic sled are invaluable to kneel on or lay on while hooking up. The sled is also great for moving my gear on during recoveries. I never leave the shop without my sled. . Sent from my SM-N920V using TowForce mobile app

The car was in the perfect see saw situation. Park close enough to extend the bed under the front end. Tilt the bed a little to allow skates under the front brake calipers. Reposition bed after hooking to frame slots with V chain and pull the truck under the car until half way loaded. Set brakes on truck and slide the rest onto bed using blocks under rocker sills or under the rear rotors. Reverse procedure to unload. JMO.

Guy buys this Jeep 2 weeks prior...700 mi on it...then drives 60 mph+ in a 25 mph community zone. Fails to negotiate the curve and tumbles through 4 different properties....
Cops found the guy 1/2 mile away drunk sitting in the middle of the road in his underwear.... Now THAT"S a party... LoL
Made junk of his new truck...
It was @ 2am in the rain so Eddie grabbed the Jeep and we went back on a Sunday am to do a complete clean up.
2 of the home owners that we talked to were very pleased that we came back and cleaned up all the parts, trees & landscaping.

during major storms and emergencey declarations there are times where as long as the vehicle is well out of the way of traffic, law enforcement / first responders will remove the occupants and examine the vehicle to make sure no one is inside of it then place the caution tape across the vehicle so others who may come across it will know that the vehicle has been cleared of occupants. then the vehicle is usually left there untill the weather event is over then recovered.

Thanks Jeri for your words that support your local police departments and a great invite for others to take the time to attend a citizen academy. As a retired police officer, I can tell you that an officer's professionalism and bravery are only two of the many hats they wear. I'd like to urge all towers to take a ride-along and get a feel of what police work is about, and while you're at it, ask your officer how tow operators can better serve the law enforcement community. A face-to-face intereaction is worth every minute of your time. R.

Gotta love it when your customer "forgets" those small details, especially when it is that it is a truck and trailer loaded with a small 2.5 ton man lift. Pic was taken after lasso straps removed. Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

I sold trucks some time back for Miller, er one of their dealers that is. The reason that dealers do not add prices on the equipment is because they kind of paint themselves in a corner if they do. Some people shop a particular sales person, or a dealer for their equipment. They do not price shop, or as Dave Ramsey says, "read the menu from the right side to the left." Meaning that they are not motivated primarily by price. A dealer can add a few hundred to a few thousand dollars to a deal with their "A" customers, and they will not yelp like a puppy whose tail was stepped on. If they see the same truck advertised, and want a carbon copy, they will also want the same price that the truck was listed for. Please also be advised that there is not a huge margin in truck sales. It is very competitive, and very cut throat. While your decision to purchase should consider price as a factor, your main concern should be the quality of the build. There are some butchers out there building new trucks. It is well worth paying a few thousand for a truck that is built by a knowledgeable, educated, experienced, and trained individual(s), than to get a truck built by a butcher or a clown. I would like to see a section dedicated here on people rating dealers for their quality of the build they produce.

Got a call for a tank delivery truck stuck in the mud. I thought it was going for the F550 but realized different when I pulled on scene...
So the 1st thing I had to say was "Do you realize it has rained steady for 2 days which melted all the snow?" This was obviously a bad idea...
When they got this truck, I saw that winch & thought they would get themselves in trouble with that. They winched themselves forward and just got deeper...
Backed in & set up on an exposed root that I figured would help me from sinking. 2 part line to the heavy crossmember of the lift gate assembly.
Pulled it to me & out of the deep holes. Truck was lame & still couldn't move. So I pulled ahead and set my block on a tree to get it closer. Then strait lined it to the edge if the driveway.

Funny how things can look differently from a alternate view... Got a call for a car in to a poll....
Doesn't look like a big deal from here...
A little different from these views...LoL We were there & left 3 times before they were ready for us to remove the car...

Another Metro Tow Trucks RTR50SL Getting Ready to Head to South Africa [emoji1221]! The Best Value on the Market Penetrating Markets World Wide[emoji288]! Metro's versatile RTR-50, designed for heavy duty, reaches the perfect balance between size and capacity. With the 360° continuous motion and the sliding option this unit can reach and lift in any situation you will encounter! For more information please don't hesitate to contact us directly at 1-613-862-1625 or toll free at 1-866-924-1675. Thanks Al Sent from my SM-N960W using Tapatalk